From what I am seeing the American Elites are the aftermarket model and the D407 and D408F would be the OE tires from the dealer. Is that correct?
Also what the differences in the Commander 2 & 3?

 

Does anyone know how the Metzler marathon 888 compares to the Michelin commanders? I am in east TN right now but moving to AZ

 

No, they are different tires with different compounds in the tread.

 

I have had Michelin Commander IIs on my '13 FLTRU since I wore out the OEM Dunlops at around 12K miles. 38K now and at least another 5 to 8 left on them. I'd likely to Commander III when needed.
I have read of issues with AEs. No 1st hand experience though.
I like Metzler 888 on 888 my built Dyna (123tq/120hp) but tire life on the rear on that scoot is short.

 

Just curious what tires you have on there??

My (and many) ‘09 bikes had the D407F on the front.

That tire was replaced by the D408F.

There was a service bulletin (M-1258A) on the D407F concerning irregular tire wear, and H-D said they notified all owners; I never received that notice, but found out about it on this site, and wound up getting the tire replaced with the D408F.

BTW, haven’t had the same problem with the 408F tires I have had like I had with the D407F.
.

 

I have commander IIs now but am thinking of trying avons next time. Looking for better wet traction. the commander IIs are holding up great.

 

Dunlop American Elites here too. The dual compound thing holds up longer.

 

Here's what I know... Dunlop worked with the MoCo to develop the D407/D408 for the touring bikes... The rumor is that Dunlop engineers made a few suggestions to the MoCo to make the tire a better performer, but the MoCo passed on the Dunlop suggestions... So Dunlop contracted with the MoCo to make the tire they wanted, and decided to take the suggestions the MoCo had passed on, and put them into a tire they decided to sell themselves.... it became the American Elite tire..

I had the OEM Dunlops on my 2012 Limited, wore them out, and replaced them with American Elites.. The American Elite is a much better tire than the OEM Dunlops.. You can look up the specs to see the actual differences between the two... but one ride made it obvious to me that the AE is a better performer than the OEM Dunlops..

You can often find American Elites for cheaper than the OEM Dunlops. I believe the HD dealers are the only vendors for the OEM Dunlops, and the AE tires don't have the Harley Davidson name on them like the OEM Dunlops... we know those two things can add $$$ to the price...

I sold the 2012, replaced it with a 2016 Ultra Classic... Just today, I finished remounting the wheels on my 2016 with a fresh pair of American Elites. The OEM HD Dunlops on the bike had good tread left... but the front tire, D408F Dunlop, had developed cracks in the sidewall... one of them was ugly... I did a google search and found several complaints about sidewall cracking with the D408F tires... since I was taking off my wheels for new brakes/rotors... I decided to lose the OEM tires and go with a new set of American Elites,

The Michelin Commander II was a high mileage tire. Many felt they didn't perform as well as the American Elite tires... many loved them. They had a reputation for poor grip in wet conditions.. If you read the press releases on the new Michelin Commander III tires, they claim they have addressed the grip, the performance, and increased the mileage.... The Commander III looks to be a good competitor for the American Elite tires....

I considered trying the Commander III tires on this current tire change, but I would have had to wait for the Michelins, the Dunlops have a rebate going on so they're cheaper for the pair, and I have had very good experiences with the American Elites in the past...

 

I was considering the Commander III's as well, but they were on back order, being new and all. I'm sure the COVID thing had something to do with the shortage as well. So far I'd buy the American Elite again, before going with another set of Commander II's. I'm only 1000 miles in to this set of AE's so time / wear will be the deciding factor as to whether I go AE or CIII next time.

 

Dunlop American Elites - great tire, great mileage.